By Aurora Ellison
When the sun does not shine or it’s too cold to play outdoors, Silverton has a warm, dry place for cooped up little ones to run and interact with other children.
Indoor Park is held in a large multi-purpose room at the United Methodist Church in Silverton, which is transformed into a playground full of toys Monday through Thursday mornings. Tricycles, baby dolls, and even slides make the Indoor Park an entertaining place for children who are not yet in school.
But actually, the moms love it just as much.
When Lisa Gerlits moved back to her hometown, Silverton, she joined Indoor Park not only for her kids but to get reacquainted with her community.
“It was probably as good for me as it was for my kids,” she said, adding she is the Indoor Park’s membership coordinator.
Ten years ago, some moms wanted to get together while their kids played out of the rain. They started Indoor Park as “a place for moms to feel supported by other moms and for kids to work on motor skills, socialize, and learn sharing,” co-chair Rebecca Chase said.
The operation depends entirely on volunteers. Children are always accompanied by an adult, and every family who signs up shares in the duties of opening, closing and cleaning. The board is composed of different volunteers each year. Membership is only $40 per family per term (the upcoming term is January through June), which pays for rent and insurance.
Board member Melissa Wagoner liked the price. “My daughter has lots of energy,” she said. “We couldn’t afford preschool, so this is a way for her to socialize.”
Pat Eder, Indoor Park’s treasurer, began bringing her grandson, an only child, to play with others. Eder is one of several caregiver grandparents at Indoor Park.
Registration for Indoor Park’s spring term will be held Jan. 25 and 26, during normal hours, 9:30-11:30 a.m. at United Methodist Church, 203 W. Main St., Silverton.
During registration, the park will be open for play, snacks, and coloring, while adults sign up for member duties. Scholarships are available.
From now until registration, parents and caregivers are welcome to bring children to Indoor Park for free Monday through Thursday from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Information is available through [email protected] or facebook.com/silvertonindoorpark.
